Most common 2015 Kia Cadenza problems
Share of the 48 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Cadenza complaints by model year
Best Cadenza years: 2019, 2018, 2016. Years to avoid: 2014. Compare all years →
2015 Kia Cadenza recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
Visibility › Windshield
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles. During manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2015 Kia Cadenza:
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
What 2015 Kia Cadenza owners say
Engine & cooling
The same engine in these 2015 - 2016 Kia Cadenzas is the same engine present in the Kia Sorentos which have been being investigated for early failure, My kia cadenza stalled at 63 miles per hour on route 73 in new jersey and ever since I've been terrified of it, the dealer (Burlington Kia of South Jersey) told me this is common, and they have stingers and most cars with this same 3.3 engine in for the same failure and it just boggles my mind, I was driving and stalled at 68 while cars are flying by me all because of a known failure? Something that is common and known? I looked up what my diagnosis of my engine was when it was towed into the dealer and my searches lit up with the same problems and the same story from others, I'm just more concerned on how this isn't a recall, if it's known the vehicle can smoke overheat and stall while moving why not warn anyone? …
At startup I experienced a knock in the engine which seemed to have gone away. I notified the KIA dealership of the issue. The service advisor told me to drive the vehicle in for service. While attempting to drive the vehicle in for service the vehicle TURNED OFF while going 55MPH without any warning at all. KIA diagnosed the vehicle with a failed crank bearing and that it can happen to high mileage vehicles despite imbecile maintenance records. I have read hundreds of complaints regarding the HYUNDAI/KIA 3.3L Lambda II class engines and faliures at various mileage. Prior to this vehicle i owned a 2012 Buick Regal CXL Turbo. When I decided I no longer wanted to invest any money into it it had over 280,000 miles on it. The engine and transmission were still running strong. I believe that the quality of the materials used and the workmanship is below what the standard should be. …
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the heat was activated, and the contact became aware that the temperature gauge was inoperable. The contact stated there was no heat blowing out of the vents and the radio volume on the steering wheel was also inoperable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,925.
I received a recall letter dated [redacted] with NHTSA Recall #: [redacted] for 2015 Kia Cadenza Vin# [redacted] . I contacted Kia's customer care number on or around January 17, 2024 as I had started having more and more electrical problems associated with this recall. My compass direction on my rear view mirror has not worked for well over a year and a half. I cannot lock my car with my key fob going on a year now. If I do lock it with the key fob, my car alarm randomly goes off multiple multiple times. Now my interior lights are not properly going off when you shut the door, and flicker when manually turning them on. The letter clearly states that a fire could happen either while parked or driving. This is my primary means of transportation, but at this point it is going on 5 months since the recall was issued. …
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle drove over a small bump in the roadway and the windshield popped out. The contact pulled over safely and set the windshield back into place. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The contact researched online and became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that upon cleaning the interior side of the windshield, she noticed that the windshield was unsteady. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
2015 Kia Cadenza engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Kia Cadenza a good car?
Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 Cadenza rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Cadenza at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Kia Cadenza?
The engine & cooling — 13 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (13) and windows, wipers & sunroof (7).
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Cadenza have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2015 Kia Cadenza, the most recent from September 25, 2023 (control unit/module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Cadenza?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2018 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014. See the full Kia Cadenza years comparison.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Cadenza problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 51,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.